CEO, Gray Construction

Thomas J. Stringer, Esq.

Tim Feemster

Managing Principal, Foremost Quality Logistics

Pet Food Maker Picks Arkansas

Area Development News Desk

11/15/2007

Mars Petcare U.S. has broken ground on an $80 million manufacturing facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas. According to the Arkansas governor's office, the 250,000-square-foot facility will be completed in April 2009 and will create an expected 200 new jobs in producing the company's Cesar pet food for small dogs. Local news reports in Arkansas indicated that the company received more than $20 million in state and local incentives and tax credits as part of the deal. Company officials cited the area's favorable logistics and potential for expansion as key factors in the choice of location. Mars Petcare operates 29 facilities in the United States with 3,000 workers.